Best bets: Thunder Over Michigan, Bash at the Beach Car Show
YPSILANTI
Weekend forecast: Thunder
Every summer around this time, the skies come alive with historical aircraft during Thunder Over Michigan.
The popular event at Willow Run Airport features P-47D Thunderbolts, B-17G Flying Fortresses and many other models. P-51 Mustangs will display their speed and agility. An F-86 Sabre “Smokey” will reach speeds of up to 650 m.p.h. A Sea Harrier F/A2 will lift like a helicopter, hover in midair and fly backward. There also will be a World War II battle re-enactment.
“We try hard to create a show that’s different, and we constantly change the lineup,” says Kevin Walsh, event director. “One of the unique things about it is the World War II battle re-enactment, and one of the interesting things about it is that people can talk with the people who fly and work on the planes.”
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Willow Run Airport, 2625 Tyler Road, Ypsilanti. 734-483-4030 or www.yankeeairmuseum.org. $25 in advance by noon Sunday, $30 day of event, free to children 15 and younger.
HARRISON TWP.
Rev up those vintage Fords
Owners of 1962-76 Torinos, Fairlanes, Cyclones, Montegos, Comets and Meteors will have their cars polished and perfect for the 12th annual TorinoCobra.com Bash at the Beach Car Show at Lake St. Clair Metropark.
Other classic Fords from 1979 and older are welcome but not eligible for judging or trophies.
The event is presented by the Fairlane Club of America and www.torinocobra.com.
“There will be a great variety of cars, including those that are in stock form and not restored to those that are set up Pro Street-style and maybe even one that is a fully tubbed and fiberglass-bodied racer,” says Kyle Lehrmann of the Fairlane Club of America, who will show his ’70 Torino convertible at the event.
10 a.m. Saturday, Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Twp. 248-978-9997 or www.torinocobra.com. A vehicle entry permit, which costs $5, is required.
ALLEN PARK
Crafts and hours of music
Food and music as well as crafts are part of the fun at the Allen Park Arts and Crafts Street Fair.
“It’s a juried craft show with more than 250 crafters coming from as far away as Florida, with jewelry, furniture, clothing and all kinds of handmade items,” says spokeswoman Jennifer Kibby. “We usually have about 50,000 people for the weekend.”
10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday on Allen between Southfield and Roosevelt.
Friday’s entertainment on the main stage includes Neenuh, noon-1:15 p.m.; Hines Drive, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Northbound, 3-4:30 p.m.; Lucky Stiff, 5-6:30 p.m.; Mark Pasman’s SS with Jeannie and the Dreams, 7-8:30 p.m., and Ty Stone, 9-11 p.m.
Friday’s entertainment on the second stage includes Mike Vial, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Dale Robertson, 1:15-2:30 p.m.; Howard Glazer, 2:45-4 p.m.; Everson, 4:15-5:30 p.m.; Lil Arthur, 5:45-7 p.m., and Battered Hat, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Saturday’s entertainment on the main stage includes Pure, noon-2 p.m.; Sarah Sherrard Band, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; Ray’s Garage, 6-8:30 p.m., and Free Beer, 9-11 p.m.
Saturday’s entertainment on the second stage includes Kevin Gamble Band, 10 a.m.-noon; Lil Arthur, 12:15-1:30 p.m.; Diane Weston, 1:45-3:15 p.m.; Howard Glazer and Dave Kocbus, 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Dandelion Brigade, 5-6:15 p.m., and Stale Crackers, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
313-928-0940 or www.allenparkstreetfair.org.